Serial Crystallography (SX) is an emerging method that allows visualizing the macromolecule interaction with light. SX is a so-called “pump–probe” experiment, where a short UV-Visible light laser pulse excites the chromophores in the molecule while an X-ray pulse is used to probe the newly formed state at a certain delay after light excitation. As a result, the light-induced X-ray crystallographic electron densities are assigned to reactions and excited-state processes. Postdoctoral research position in SX and dynamic structural biology is available to study light inducible proteins essential for photosynthesis and photobiology. The SX results would be complemented by time-resolved spectroscopy.The position is available now for a minimum of one year, with the possibility of extension.
The research will be carried out at the VU under the supervision of Dr Volha Chukhutsina.

Your duties

• establish a data processing pipeline for crystallographic data
• participate in the group's time-resolved serial crystallography experiments
• take an active role in the organisation of serial crystallography experiments
• perform SX experiments with particular emphasis on data analysis
• investigate the photo-regulatory and molecular responses of various proteins to light irradiation
• complement SX observations with time-resolved spectroscopy

• PhD in physics, physical chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry or related disciplines
• Knowledge and experience in structural biology and serial crystallography or large data analysis
• Advanced knowledge of CrystFEL or DIALS data processing packages is highly desirable
• Phenix, CCP4
• Good knowledge of Python or another programming language
• Interest in working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Excellent knowledge of English

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.226,00 (Scale 10.00) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center
• contribution to commuting expenses
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the project

The project will be conducted in the Biophysics of Photosynthesis group at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The group investigates the fundamental aspects of the natural process of photosynthesis in which the energy of the sun is stored in high-energy products. The major aim of the research is to understand the molecular basis of the photosynthetic process and to apply this knowledge to improve the efficiency of the natural process in plants and algae. The group offers a multidisciplinary environment in which biologists, chemists and physicists work in close collaboration, and state-of-the art facilities for molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, plant physiology and spectroscopy (steady-state and ultrafast). The group is part of LaserLaB, an internationally renowned research institute.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your CV, cover letter and, if available, your PhD thesis or peer-reviewed article (if more relevant). The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.